Root Canal Treatment in Annandale
Root canal treatment is used for removing infection and protecting the tooth from further decay. At Booth Tooth Dental, we may resort to root canal treatment when the decay is extensive. Often, this may be the most appropriate option to help save the tooth, depending on your individual circumstances – which many patients prefer to having the tooth removed.
Root canal treatment does not enjoy a reputation as a desirable dental treatment and some patients are quite apprehensive about it. At Booth Tooth Dental, our dental staff take the time to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout the procedure, and we can discuss dental sedation options if need be.
When do you need Root Canal Therapy?
You may need root canal therapy:
- If you have a cracked tooth or a cavity that may attract bacterial infection
- If your tooth pulp (nerve) has become infected and diseased
- If you have swelling in your neck and cheeks
- If your teeth have changed colour to a darker shade
- If you have increased sensitivity to hot or cold food
- If you feel increased soreness in your gums
- If you have severe tooth pain in a decayed tooth
How is Root Canal Treatment done?
From the above signs and symptoms, you may have noticed that these dental issues listed above are more serious than other dental problems. This is because the pulp (nerve) is filled with a lot of nerve endings and blood vessels. When infected, it can be very painful.
Treatment aims to remove the infection at its source, which can help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with a severely decayed tooth.
The first step is to take an X-ray of the problem tooth. This helps us know the extent of the problem and plan an appropriate treatment.
Before the treatment begins, the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, which is used to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. A rubber sheet is placed to isolate the tooth for the procedure.
A tiny hole is made into the tooth to gain access to the pulp (nerve) area which is the core of the tooth. Through this access hole, the infected pulp is removed. We make sure there are no remnants in the core of the tooth and it is washed clean. Then the tooth is sealed with rubber sealants and sealer paste which is applied to cover the whole inner core of the tooth.
Because your tooth was damaged, it now requires more support. This support is provided by placing a dental crown. Crowns can help to prevent further damage. More details on dental crowns are here.
What to expect after treatment
After dental surgery has been done, you may experience soreness, slight pain and discomfort. This typically settles within a few days, though recovery varies between patients. To help manage any pain, our dentists may give you pain medication.
The longevity of root canal therapy varies between patients and depends on factors such as your oral hygiene, the restoration placed, ongoing dental care, and whether you encounter any major trauma to the mouth region. If you have doubts about the food to consume right after the treatment, your dentist will let you know foods you can consume (typically softer foods).
Why keep the tooth? Why not extract it?
While extraction is an option, keeping teeth is very important. Let’s be honest – people survive with missing teeth all the time. But the quality of their mouth is never the same! Teeth are like books on a shelf. If you lose one, the other ones collapse over. Collapsed teeth are harder to maintain as they trap more food and bacteria. This can lead to more gum disease and cavities! Also, teeth get a lot of force. If you lose some teeth, the remaining teeth get more force and can wear away and break more. Not sure what to do? Talk to your Booth Tooth Dentist to help make your decision.
Get in touch with us today
Do you have a severely infected tooth that is giving you trouble? Get in touch to discuss whether root canal therapy may be suitable for you.
You can book an appointment by filling in the form online, or reach us via phone or email. Our office staff will answer your queries and set up an appointment.
Other Services
We Make Getting a Healthy Smile as Easy as…
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Call us on (02) 9552 2768 to make an appointment
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Visit us and enjoy the relaxed environment and a sense of control, as we explain what’s happening and check in with you regularly
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Look forward to a healthier smile - we work with you to create a personalised plan designed to support your oral health well into the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may need a root canal when you have signs such as a cracked tooth, deep decay, infection in the pulp nerve, swelling of the face or gums, increased sensitivity, or severe tooth pain. Booth Tooth assesses each case carefully and can discuss sedation options to help support your comfort.
The treatment begins with an X-ray and local anaesthetic, followed by isolating the tooth with a rubber dam. A small opening is made, then the infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and sealed using biocompatible materials. A dental crown is often recommended afterwards to help reinforce the tooth.
You may experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days after treatment. This typically resolves within a few days, though recovery varies between patients. Once sealed and restored with a crown, patients can generally return to normal function, and with good oral hygiene and ongoing dental care, the treated tooth may last for many years.